Cynthia Erivo to Play Tupac’s Mother in Snoop Biopic

Cynthia Erivo is joining Universal Pictures’ upcoming Snoop Dogg biopic, Snoop, in a role that brings Tupac Shakur’s family story into the film. The actor and singer will portray Afeni Shakur, Tupac’s mother, in the feature directed by Craig Brewer. The casting was reported on November 4 and confirmed in coverage of the studio’s announcement.

The addition gives the film a prominent dramatic role alongside its central account of Snoop Dogg’s life and career. Afeni’s presence also connects the story to Tupac, whose friendship and musical partnership with Snoop formed a significant part of hip-hop history. Universal has described the project as a definitive biopic of Snoop Dogg.

Erivo takes on the role of Afeni Shakur

Erivo will play Afeni Shakur, a political activist and member of the Black Panther Party who became widely known as the mother of Tupac Shakur. The casting places a three-time Academy Award nominee, and Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award winner, in a character whose life intersected with both political activism and the history of American rap.

Afeni’s relationship with Tupac has remained part of the way audiences understand the artist’s work and public legacy. Her inclusion in Snoop suggests the film will make room for the people and relationships surrounding Snoop’s rise, rather than treating his career as a story detached from the wider musical community of the era. The production has not yet released a full plot synopsis, so the scope of Afeni’s role has not been detailed publicly.

A growing ensemble around Jonathan Daviss

Jonathan Daviss leads the film as Snoop Dogg. The announced ensemble includes Camron Jones as Tupac Shakur, Myles Bullock as Dr. Dre, Lauren London as Snoop’s mother Beverly Tate, Algee Smith as Warren G, Tre Hale as Suge Knight, Laya DeLeon Hayes as Shante Broadus, Olly Sholotan as Kurupt, Corey Champagne as Nate Dogg and Jonica Booth as The Lady of Rage.

That cast points to a broad portrait of the artists, collaborators and family members around Snoop’s career. Erivo’s casting adds another high-profile performer to the ensemble and places the story of Afeni and Tupac within a film built around Snoop’s path through the West Coast rap scene. Details about the soundtrack, the specific period covered and the film’s final running time have not been announced.

Craig Brewer directs the Universal release

Craig Brewer, whose credits include Hustle & Flow and Song Sung Blue, is directing Snoop. The screenplay is based on an original script by Joe Robert Cole, with Brewer working on a rewrite. Universal Pictures has scheduled the film for a wide theatrical release on August 6, 2027. Reports place the production in Southern California.

With filming underway and the cast continuing to take shape, the project is moving from its long development period toward a full-scale production. For now, the confirmed pieces are the film’s director, lead actor, expanding ensemble and theatrical date. Further details about the story and first-look material are still awaited.

Sources: TheWrap on Erivo’s casting and the studio announcement; Variety on the role and ensemble; NBCUniversal on the film and release date.

#CynthiaErivo #SnoopBiopic #SnoopDogg #TupacShakur #Hollywood #EntertainmentNews